Russian Military in Syria

A Russian combat aircraft at Khmeimim airbase in Syria being prepared for action. (Russian Ministry of Defence)

Belligerent
Russian Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

October 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2618

LOCATION

الطيانة, Al-Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, Syria

One child was reportedly killed by airstrikes on the town of Al-Tayaneh, Deir Ezzor, local media reported, though it was unclear who was to blame. Activists on the ground told Smart News Agency that “the aircraft bombarded a crossing on the Euphrates River in the town of al Tayana connecting the eastern and western banks,

Summary

First published
October 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 25, 2017

Incident Code

RS2523

LOCATION

محمبل, Muhambal, Idlib, Syria

At least one civilian, a girl, was killed and at least five others were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes against the town of Muhambal in Idlib governorate, according to local sources. The “intensive air-raids” consisted of rockets. Some sources did not mention civilian casualties but did confirm bombing in the vicinity. One of the comments

Summary

First published
September 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2964

LOCATION

الغدفة, Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, Syria

One civilian was killed and several others injured as aerial and/or artillery shelling hit the town of Al-Ghadafa, Idlib, local media reported – though it was unclear how to whether Russia or the Syrian regime were to blame. Both Smart News Agency and Step News Agency reported that strikes believed to have been carried out

Summary

First published
February 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2015

Incident Code

RS128

LOCATION

حي خان العسل, Khan Al Assal (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

The White Helmets reported that one woman was killed and several other civilians injured following an alleged strike by Russian planes. The event may be linked to the previous incident between Kafr Naha and Khan al Assal. The only woman as listed by VDC as killed in an airstrike that day was Halima Abid al

Summary

First published
November 7, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2017

Incident Code

R3211

LOCATION

بداما , Bdama, Idlib, Syria

One child was killed when a cluster bomb dropped in a previous airstrike exploded in Bdama, local media reported. EdlibEMC said that the bomb was dropped by Russia, though the other sources didn’t identify the culprit. It was not clear when the munitions was dropped.

Summary

First published
August 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2019

Incident Code

RS3731

LOCATION

البوابية, Al Bawabia, Aleppo, Syria

A civilian was reported killed and eight others injured when an airstrike struck the village of Al Bawabia and a section of the Damascus-Aleppo international road in the morning of May 28th. The images shared by the Syrian Civil Defense shows that the victim is a man. The airstrike destroyed a civilian property and burned

Summary

First published
May 28, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2019

Incident Code

RS3753

LOCATION

الأربعين, Al Arba’een, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed and others injured in airstrikes on Al Arba’een, Hama, on June 2nd. The victim was identified as Youssef Khaled Al-Ali Al-Mubarak.  While Smart News claimed that “two civilians were wounded in by a missile attack”, Shaam news and @so_ria98 reported one fatality in the airstrike. Shaam News made reference to

Summary

First published
June 2, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Russian Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2016

Incident Code

RS418

LOCATION

حيان, Hayyan, Aleppo, Syria

One adult female civilian, was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hayyan, according to the Violations Documentation Centre. No further details are currently available.  

Summary

First published
January 18, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 15, 2019

Incident Code

RS3806

LOCATION

ديرسنبل, Deir Sinbol, Idlib, Syria

A woman was killed and a child wounded in Deir Sinbol when, according to Smart News, Russian warplanes shelled the village. The Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed “Syrian regime fixed-wingwarplanes” instead. Some sources said vacuum missiles were used in this attack, allegedly by the Syrian regime. No other details are known at this time.

Summary

First published
June 15, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 22, 2019

Incident Code

RS3839

LOCATION

تل ملح, Tel Melh, Hama, Syria

One civilian was reported killed in artillery shelling in Tal Melh, Hama, on June 22nd. Syrian Network for Human Rights named the civilian killed as Ahmad Ibrahim al Hmoud. Although Step News alleged the death of one civilian in one tweet, naming the Syrian regime as the responsible belligerent, another report by Step News regarding

Summary

First published
June 22, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2016

Incident Code

RS932

LOCATION

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

One woman died and other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al Bab city, Aleppo governorate, local sources reported. According to  LCCYS, “The Russian warplanes used internationally-banned phosphorous bombs and vacuum missiles on Bab city and Mahdoum in the eastern suburb, resulting in the death of one woman and injury of other people”.

Summary

First published
June 23, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

RS3086

LOCATION

زملكا, Zamalaka, Damascus, Syria

One civilian was killed and others were left injured, local media reported following aerial shelling of Zamalaka, eastern Ghouta, Damascus, carried out by either Russia, the Syrian regime, or both. al-Jazeera’s correspondent in eastern Ghouta reported how “raids of the regime and Russia targeted residential buildings with internationally banned cluster bombs, explosive barrels and napalm

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

July 22, 2016

Incident Code

RS1028

LOCATION

الفردوس, Al Fardous (Aleppo), Aleppo, Syria

A 10 year-old child named Jamil Mustafa was killed in an alleged Russian airstrike on Aleppo’s Al Ferdos neighbourhood, according to LCCSY. Despite this claim, a pro-regime Twitter page reported that “Syrian warplanes targeted armed groups in Ferdos and Kallaseh neighbourhoods and injured some armed members.” Step News reported sighting helicopters which threw explosive barrels

Summary

First published
July 22, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 18, 2019

Incident Code

RS4048

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

During another day of heavy Russian and Assad regime strikes on rebel-held areas of Idlib, one civilian was reported killed and another wounded in Kafr Sijna according to local sources. A tweet from @baladinetwork identified a “martyr and wounded as a result of Russian warplanes targeting the town of Kafr Sijnah.” Shaam News noted that

Summary

First published
August 18, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS1738

LOCATION

حريتان , Hraitan, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One girl died in an alleged Russian airstrike on Hraitan, according to local media. Halab Today reported “the martyrdom of the girl Yasmine Shaheen and the injury of five civilians, mostly children, as a result of Russian air strikes on the city of Hreitan in the northern countryside of Aleppo”. The victim was also named

Summary

First published
December 4, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 27, 2017

Incident Code

RS2260

LOCATION

عقيربات , Akeirbat, Hama, Syria

The Smart News Agency reported airstrikes on ‘civilian homes’ in Akeirbat which killed one civilian and wounded three others, including one woman. This was believed to have been part of a larger series of airstrikes on one town and four village under the control of the Islamic State, Smart News said.

Summary

First published
May 27, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2017

Incident Code

RS2499

LOCATION

كفرحلب, Kafr Halab, Aleppo , Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and two to eight others were injured in four airstrikes against the village of Kafr Halab in southwest Aleppo, local media reported. Sources were conflicted as to who was to blame, some attributing the blame to Russia while others, such as Aleppo24, blamed both Russia and the Syrian regime.

Summary

First published
September 24, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
8
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2017

Incident Code

RS2420

LOCATION

حطلة,, Hatla, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A single source, the Euphrates Post, reported that unidentified warplanes struck two cars carrying families the town of Hatla shortly before, killing one of them. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

December 18, 2017

Incident Code

RS2805

LOCATION

التح, Al Tah, Idlib, Syria

One girl was killed and two other civilians were wounded in alleged Russian airstrikes on the residential neighbourhood of Al Tah, according to local media. Images published by a local source, @alathre1989, shows the severe damage to the residential property. Despite most sources reporting that the casualty was a female child, @hish_m_c alleged that she

Summary

First published
December 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2018

Incident Code

RS2836

LOCATION

الهيمانية, Al-Haymaniya, Hama, Syria

A young man was killed by airstrikes which raided the village of Al-Haymaniya in Hama. Sources either blamed Russia or did not attribute blame. A number of civilians were reportedly injured however local media did not specify how many. According to Baladi, “Russian warplanes launched air raids with high-explosive missiles on the village of Haymaneya

Summary

First published
January 2, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2017

Incident Code

RS2473

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al-Habeet, Idlib, Syria

A man died during alleged Russian or Syrian shelling on the town of Al-Habeet in rural Idlib, local sources reported. Salah Ahmad Al-Jamili had come to the city from Helfaya, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights.  

Summary

First published
September 19, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2015

Incident Code

RS107

LOCATION

معرتماتر, Ma’ar Tamater, Idlib, Syria

A child named as Ahmad Ali al-Yousef was reported killed following an alleged Russian or Assad regime airstrike on Ma’artamater. The Violations Documentation Center and Syrian Observatory blamed Russia. The pro-regime Shaam Times – citing “military sources” – confirmed that unspecified aircraft had supported ground operations at Ma’artamater. And the Damascus Centre for Human Rights

Summary

First published
November 1, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

May 3, 2019

Incident Code

RS3649

LOCATION

الهبيط, Al Habit, Idlib, Syria

A male civilian was killed in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Habit, Idlib governorate, on May 3r, 2019, according to local sources. At least one other man was reportedly wounded. HalabTodayTV reported that a civilian was killed in airstrikes by a warplane, without identifying the belligerent. Al Arabiya reported

Summary

First published
May 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Other
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2015

Incident Code

RS139

LOCATION

خان طومان, Khan Tomam, Aleppo, Syria

According to the VDC, one adult male civilian was killed in an alleged strike by Russian warplanes. The victim name has been published by local media activist. A major battle appears to have taken place in the town, with the FSA reporting that one of its commanders was killed. And almost all sources blamed Russia

Summary

First published
November 10, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Unknown, Syrian Regime
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 7, 2019

Incident Code

RS3679

LOCATION

البارة, Al Bara, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed and others were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in rural Idlib on May 7th, 2019, according to local sources. Jorf News wrote that “a civilian was killed and others were wounded by airstrikes on the town of Al Bara in the southern

Summary

First published
May 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2015

Incident Code

RS333

LOCATION

معر زيتة, Marzita, Idlib, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Marzita, according to the Violations Documentation Center and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. According to the SOHR one man from Ma’ra al-Nu’man died from wounds sustained in alleged Russian airstrikes targeting Marzita.    

Summary

First published
December 30, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2018

Incident Code

RS2928

LOCATION

ايبلا, Ebla, Idlib, Syria

A civilian was killed when alleged Russian airstrikes struck the University of Ebla, according to local media. Sources all blamed Russian warplanes for the “heavy aerial bombardament” on the vicinity. According to Baladi News there were more than 15 raids on the area which damaged the University building and destroyed its property. There are no

Summary

First published
January 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

RS3758

LOCATION

كفرسجنة, Kafar Sijna, Idlib, Syria

Local sources reported the death of one civilian in airstrikes on Kafar Sijna, Idlib, on June 4th. Syrian Network for Human Rights named the civilian killed as Abdul Razzaq al Hamwiya. @yamanalbauosh tweeted a video saying the rocket used in the attack carried phosphorous, and @SYR_REV_NEWS said vacuum rockets were also used. While Smart News

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 15, 2016

Incident Code

RS397

LOCATION

تدمر, Palmyra, Homs, Syria

One adult male civilian was killed in an alleged Russian strike in Palmyra when the car he was driving was hit. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that warplanes “believed to be Russian” carried out several intense raids which targeted areas in “al-Qaryatayn city in the southeastern countryside of Homs and other areas in the

Summary

First published
January 15, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2016

Incident Code

RS653

LOCATION

الحصان, Al Hissan, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Akhbar.net reported that one non-combatant died in a Russian strike on the town of al Hissan. The VDC named one adult male, as killed in a Russian strike. However, Gulf Eye News  and Akbaralan News reported deaths in nearby Hatlah from Russian strikes, but none in Al Hissan.  

Summary

First published
February 21, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident